More from Football

Eidur: Chelsea are no match

By Alex Dunn

Eidur Gudjohnsen claims new club Barcelona are in a different league to Chelsea.

Barcelona new boy Eidur Gudjohnsen claims the Catalan giants are in a different league to former employers Chelsea.

The Icelandic front man has recently completed a move to Spain that cost Barcelona in the region of &pound;8 million and, upon his arrival at&nbsp;his new club,&nbsp;he has had plenty to say.

Michael Ballack's arrival at Stamford Bridge rendered Gudjohnsen surplus to requirements in West London but the versatile performer insists he is making a step-up.

Barca are currently champions of both&nbsp;Spain and Europe and when allied to the fact they are a club steeped in the finest of histories, Gudjohnsen can hardly wait to get started&nbsp;for&nbsp;a side&nbsp;he feels Chelsea are striving to, but have yet to match.

''Chelsea have spent a lot in the last two years since Roman Abramovich came but Barcelona are better than them in all departments," Gudjohnsen told Barca TV.

"They have improved a lot under (coach Jose) Mourinho but Barcelona are where Chelsea want to be and the success of Barcelona is also a question of history.

''They have always been there while Chelsea have not."

Gudjohnsen continued to reveal that he was on holiday back in his homeland when he was informed of Barca's interest, and that now that the deal was done-and-dusted, he is concentrating his efforts on claiming a starting berth.

"I was on holiday in Iceland with my children when my father called to say that I had to travel to Barcelona," he concluded.

"My intention now is make it difficult for (coach Frank) Rijkaard to pick the starting XI.

''I will look to do my best and then the trainer will decide. In this team everyone will have chances."